Petrichor ~ P.L.

Chapter Sixteen

My heart raced as I plopped back down into my bed, eyes wide.  Vampires were real?  What the hell?  And holy shit, Bella's boyfriend was one of them!  But he didn't have blood-red eyes or a cape.  Were all the Cullens vampires? Did Bella know she was dating a bloodsucker?! What the hell was the treaty? 

A million thoughts and questions raced through my mind until the early morning, obliterating any chance at sleep I had.  Through the restless hours, I had deducted that the Cullens must be the cold ones Billy would always talk about in his stories and that the treaty signed about 'hunting' on their land, must have meant 'don't suck the blood from people and we won't murk the shit out of you and expose your asses.' But how could they defend themselves against the cold ones, who, if the rumours held up, were hella fast and strong?  

I sat on the bed with my head in my hands, trying to give my mind a break from the absolutely wild situation I had found myself in, and think of something else.  

My mind drifted to Paul, another confusing situation.  Just when I thought we were beginning to be alright, he had ripped the rug out from underneath us.  But why?  Why switch up so suddenly? 

I sighed and threw myself back on my bed.  I  wanted with all my heart to run and talk to or even just be around the people I had called my family.  I would even settle of one of Embry's inappropriate jokes, or laugh at the boys and their enormous appetites. But in all honesty, I just wished I had someone to talk to. 

But I didn't.  I was alone in this. 

And I had to be okay with that. 

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Paul sat sulking at Emily's kitchen table.  Sam had his arms wrapped around his imprint while she worked away in the kitchen, Kim sat in Jared's lap, laughing at some stupid remark, and the rest of the boys were loudly playing some kind of video game in the living room.  

His face was set in the frown he always wore now, frustrated about the stupid red-headed leech, and missing Adair.  She was like a lighthouse to him.  Lighting the dark, but if he got too close he would wreck his ship on the rocks. 

It killed him to know she was probably hurting right now.  But, as Sam had made very clear, it was better than her getting hurt or worse by a world she doesn't even know exists, and never would.  

Jacob walked in from the living room, rolling his eyes at Paul's slumped and sulking figure. 

"Would you get the stick out of your ass?  You'll have her back so you can do your little 'will they, won't they' dance eventually." 

Paul's glare turned from the table to him, "I thought you would care more, seeing as she's one of your best friends and living in your house." 

He shrugged, leaning against the wall, "I do care, but there's nothing we can do about it." 

Paul scoffed, clenching his fist as he began to get hot from anger, "No.  There is something you can do about it.  There's no reason you can't see her, soften the blow, keep an eye on her.  You live in the same house." 

Jacob returned his glare, "I'm busy, you know that." 

"Doing what, huh?" Paul stood up from his chair, it scraping loudly against the wooden floors, "Looking after your little leach lover?" 

Jacob clenched his fists, raising his voice, "She needs me." 

Paul laughed, "She doesn't need you!  She doesn't even want you!  Adair needs you!  Bellas the reason that leech is here in the first place!" 

Jacob got in Paul's face, "Shut the fuck up Paul!  You have no idea what you're talking about." 

Paul laughed spitefully, the rest of the pack now watching the heated argument, "Don't I?  We can all see inside your head, Jacob.  We can all plainly see she doesn't fucking want you." 

Jacob lunged for Paul, but Sam grabbed both of them and shoved them outside.  Both of them instantly shifting, attacking each other, and barreling into the woods. 

Seth stood looking out the door, frowning sadly. 

"You know," He looked to Sam, "Paul's right.  Jacob could be there for her right now, and he's choosing not to," He sighed, "I would kill to be able to see her again." 

The pack nodded in agreement, all missing the brunette, but not being able to do anything about it. 

All they could really do was kill the red-headed bitch. 

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I looked in the fridge and frowned.  All that we had to eat was a stale box of cheerios, a half jug of milk, a case of beer, and a lot of different sauces and dressings.  I rolled my eyes, the boys obviously hadn't gone grocery shopping since I had last, which was evident by the takeout containers and pizza boxes overflowing in the trash.  My stomach rumbled painfully.  Since I had shifted, my appetite had grown exponentially.  I mean, it makes sense.  Turning into a very large dog probably burns a lot of calories.  

I closed the fridge door and leaned my head against it, deciding that no matter how much I didn't want to, I needed to go grocery shopping.  I could just barely handle the noises and smells of my house, let alone a supermarket.  I cringed at even the thought of it. I would really love it if Jacob could be home long enough to help out, but I was obviously the least of his worries.  It was annoying, and hurtful to be honest.  He had to have known by now about everyone practically shunning me, but still chose to spend every waking moment gallivanting after Bella.  I thought I was a good friend to him, maybe even a best friend, but I guess not.  

I sighed and grabbed my car keys, praying that my practice of controlling my senses had paid off for me to at least not shift into a wolf in the supermarket.  What a story that would be.  

I hopped into my car and started my journey to buy an enormous amount of food.  My mouth practically watered at the thought of downing a full pack of Oreos tonight.  

After parking in the mostly empty parking lot, I breathed in and out deeply, preparing myself for the assault of smells and sounds. 

With one last deep breath, I entered the brightly lit supermarket.  

I was right.  This shit sucks. 

I held my breath for as long as I could and tried to focus on my extensive grocery list.  The air was filled with the smell of every item and person, and I could hear every single wheel of every cart, along with the beeps of the register.  I groaned and put my head on the handle of my cart, trying to focus and taking in deep breaths.  

After about a minute I stood back up, everything a little less intense.  It was bearable, but I still wanted to get out of here quickly.  

I grabbed some dried goods and vegetables, along with some meat.  I gagged as I passed the fish, that shits revolting.  I then made my way to the bakery and dairy section, satisfied and relieved I had finally gotten everything that I needed.  

I stopped and stood in line, tapping my foot impatiently, and my stomach still growling. 

Shit, I thought, I forgot the Oreos! 

Not wanting to leave without the delicious snack I was most looking forward to, I swiftly turned around, immediately smashing into a hard chest.  

I stumbled back, "I am so sorry!  I wasn't looking where I was going!  I just almost forgot my Oreos and-" 

My voice stopped as I met the person's eyes.  A spinning woozy feeling took over me as all of the overwhelming sounds and smells stopped.  The whole world, actually, faded away at the sight of the person's warm, brown eyes.  

Flashes of my life with him flew before me, us kissing, laughing together, getting married, and playing with our kids.  Suddenly I couldn't imagine a life without him.  My whole world shifted under me, nothing else mattered.  No one else mattered.  Like an invisible tether had bound us together, and I would never want to escape. 

My eyes widened as I gazed into the man's eyes, shock, and confusion taking over my face. 

"Paul?"